Donald Ellis Larson, age 86, died in Plainview, TX on October 25, 2014 after a short illness.

Born April 18, 1928 in Belvidere, IL, to Ellis and Florence Larson, he attended Belvidere High School, graduating in 1946.  He attended and graduated from the University Of Illinois Institute Of Aviation in 1958. On May 14, 1949, he married Joan Rae Fish.  Donald married Jessica Crawford in 1993.

He had a distinguished career as a professional pilot, flying for several corporations over the years, including Arnold Engineering, Trostel Tannery, Ansul Chemical Company, Norman Blankenship Enterprises, Furrs, and Pioneer General Contractors.  He was the owner/operator of Sky Breeze Aviation in Lubbock, TX.  His aviation career spanned 50 years, over 30,000 flight hours, and included awards such as the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award from the FAA in 2006, the FAA Million Miles Award for Safe Flying, and Master Mechanic.  He was an active member of the Quiet Birdmen.

Survivors include wife Jessica, of Plainview, TX; Children, Candice Azzalino, Robbin Doumanian, husband John, Leslie Behrendt, husband Nick, and Jan Larson; Step children Christopher Crawford, Jennifer Van Cleve; Grand children, Monique Williams, husband Drew, Broc Behrendt, wife Jacqueline, Britni Behrendt, Amelie Lauzon, Gabrielle Larson, and Jonathon Van Cleve, step grandchild; Great grand children, Lindsay Williams, Colin Williams, Gabrielle Burt, and Brielle Behrendt; Brother Robert, wife Wilma; Sister Judith Brenner, husband Bob. Other survivors include dear friend, Kay Donelson. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Ellis and Florence Larson, and wife Joan Larson.

Visitation will be at 11am, Saturday, November 1, Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1045 Belvidere Rd, Belvidere, IL.  Services will follow visitation at 1:30pm.  Burial will be at Belvidere Cemetery, 1121 N. Main St., Belvidere, following services.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions made in Donald's name to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1225 E. 2nd Street, Belvidere, IL, 61008.

Thank you to the staff of dedicated doctors and nurses of Covenant Health Medical Center for their help and support during Donald's illness.